The constitution prohibits discrimination based on creed and provides for religious freedom, including the right of individuals to change, manifest, and propagate their religious beliefs. The government grants subsidies to Catholics, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Seventh-day Adventists, Hindus, and Muslims, based on their relative numbers in the population. Other groups must register with the government to obtain tax-exempt status but receive no subsidies. Christians and Muslims reported they were underrepresented in the civil service and government, including at the highest levels. The government limited the number of foreign missionaries allowed to work in the country.
Tensions between Hindus, Christians and Muslims continued to exist. On September 5, the media reported two Muslim men vandalized a Hindu temple in Camp Diable, sparking riots and vandalism against mosques and Hindu temples in the southern part of the main island. The two men, together with five other men who vandalized mosques, were arrested and released on bail. At year’s end the investigation was ongoing.
The embassy promoted religious tolerance and understanding through engagement with government officials and with youth, and showed support for religious diversity through attendance at religious holiday ceremonies of different faiths.